SPHL vs HockeyEttan

How would you compare/contrast SPHL and HockeyEttan- Sweden Divison 1?

Although the style of play in each differs, both leagues are quite close in terms of skill level and caliber of players. HockeyEttan has a slightly more finesse/speed to the game on open Olympic ice whereas the SPHL is a bit more physical in style of play.

Our years of scouting combined with interviews involving players and coaches in each respective league, our analysis comes from this.

SPHL

The SPHL is a minor professional ice hockey league based in the United States.

HockeyEttan- Sweden Divison 1

HockeyEttan, also known as Sweden Division 1, is the third tier of ice hockey in Sweden.

Location: United States

Location: Sweden

Skill Level in SPHL

The SPHL is a minor professional hockey league in North America. As the 4rd highest level of pro ice hockey in North America, it sits below the ECHL and above the FPHL. The league was founded in 2004 with the majority of teams being based in the Southeastern portion of the United States.

Skill Level in HockeyEttan

HockeyEttan is Sweden’s third-tier league, with a few dozen teams divided regionally from the South near Stockholm up to the North near the start of the Arctic Circle. HockeyEttan acts both as a developmental league for young players and a majority of teams also roster several imports to further strengthen their rosters each season.

Player Perspective: SPHL

"Lifestyle wise, there are some good places to play in the SP. During my time in Pensacola and Macon, I enjoyed the level of play. Both fan bases were stellar along with the quality of living outside the arena makes it easier to grind in the minors here- golfing after practice, dining out, and warm weather during the winter!"

Player Perspective: HockeyEttan

"HockeyEttan provided the perfect environment for me to hone my skills and gain exposure. Our team had a number of veteran players who I learned a great deal from."

Number of Teams in SPHL: 10

Number of Teams in HockeyEttan: 36

Caliber of Players and Imports in SPHL

The skill level and ability of SPHL players continues to get higher every year. Years back, most guys coming out of the NCAA or even top junior clubs could cut it in the SPHL. Today, the landscape is more competitive with more college and junior players vying to continue playing at the next level. The far majority of SPHL rosters sport players with a mix of NCAA (D1 to D3), USports, high-end junior, or equivalent experience on their resume prior to them playing here. There's always a couple exceptions, but as mentioned already the bar is higher. The caliber of players across the league and roster depth is a bit lower than the ECHL above it and the FPHL below it.

Caliber of Players and Imports in HockeyEttan- Sweden Divison 1

sweden division 1 hockeyettan level of play photo

For third tier leagues in Europe, it's one of the very best due to how strong Sweden is as a hockey country overall. Rosters here are comprised of up and coming talent aiming to move up, a handful of experience imports, and experienced Swedish players who continue playing locally at the Sweden Division 1 level.